Was there a deeper purpose behind Sai Baba's fondness for lighting lamps, beyond just a personal habit?

Yes, there was a significant purpose behind Sai Baba's actions. While Chapter 0 uses the worldly term "fond of" to describe his practice of lighting lamps, it explicitly states that none of his actions were to satisfy a whim. The text clarifies that there was a higher motive, which was "doing good for the people." The miracle of lighting lamps with water serves as a prime example. This act wasn't for his own satisfaction but was a divine play to shatter the villagers' delusions, reveal his true power, and guide them toward faith and surrender, thus working for their ultimate spiritual welfare.